Fluid flow actuated tool

ABSTRACT

A fluid flow actuated tool including a housing, a tool and an actuating mechanism. The housing includes a housing interior. The housing interior receives a flow of fluid. The actuating mechanism includes a fluid wheel structure. The fluid wheel structure is connected to the tool. At least a portion of the fluid wheel structure is arranged in the flow of fluid for rotating the fluid wheel structure. The tool is actuated based on rotation of the fluid wheel structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part under 37 CFR 1.53(b) ofpending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/019,487 filed Sep. 14,2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/864,669 filed Jan. 8, 2018 and claims the benefit the benefit ofpriority of U.S. provisional application 62/444,041 filed Jan. 9, 2017,the entire contents of each application are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid flow actuated tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional tools, such as brushes, are difficult for a user to grasp,particularly for people who have arthritis and elderly people who do nothave the hand strength to hold and operate such tools. Thisdisadvantageously allows a user to improperly use the tool such that thetool does not adequately perform its function, such as using a brush toclean a rim of a tire or using the brush to wash dishes. Further, suchtools are manually operated by the user, which requires great effort onthe part of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid flow actuated tool that can beeasily grasped by a user such that the user can operate the tool in anefficient manner. As the tool is actuated by fluid, minimal effort isexerted by the user in operating the tool. The tool is lightweight andcan be held by a single hand of the user, which makes the tool easy tomaneuver and manipulate when operating the tool.

According to the present invention, the fluid flow actuated toolcomprises a housing, a tool and an actuating mechanism. The housingcomprises a housing interior. The housing interior receives a flow offluid. The actuating mechanism comprises a fluid (water) wheelstructure. The water wheel structure is connected to the tool. At leasta portion of the water wheel structure is arranged in the flow of fluidfor rotating the water wheel structure. The tool is actuated based onrotation of the water wheel structure.

The actuating mechanism may be arranged in the housing interior.

The water wheel structure may comprise a plurality of fluid engagingstructures. Each of the fluid engaging structures may comprise fluidengaging material. The fluid engaging material may comprise a pluralityof fluid engaging conical portions for engaging the flow of fluid.

Each of the fluid engaging structures may comprise a first portion and asecond portion extending in a radial direction with respect to alongitudinal axis of the water wheel structure. Each of the fluidengaging structures may further comprise a third portion and a fourthportion extending in an axial direction with respect to the longitudinalaxis of the water wheel structure. The first portion may be parallel tothe second portion. The third portion may be parallel to the fourthportion.

The tool may comprise a tool shaft. The housing may comprise a toolshaft receiving opening. At least a portion of the tool shaft may bearranged in the tool shaft receiving opening.

The housing may comprise a housing fluid guide member having an openingfacing in a direction of the tool shaft. The housing fluid guide membermay convey fluid from the interior of the housing to an environmentexternal to the housing in a direction of the tool shaft.

The housing may comprise another housing fluid guide member having anopening facing in the direction of the tool shaft. The another housingfluid guide member may convey the fluid from the interior of the housingto the environment external to the housing in the direction of the toolshaft.

The housing may comprise a housing opening located at a radially spacedlocation from the tool shaft. The fluid may flow from the interior ofthe housing to the environment external to the housing via the opening.

The housing may comprise a housing connector for connecting the housingto a fluid supply line for supplying the flow of fluid to the interiorof the housing.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses,reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter inwhich preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a fluid flow actuated tool;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a water wheel structure that is used in eachembodiment of the fluid flow actuated tool;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the water wheel structure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water wheel structure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the water wheel structure ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a fluid flow actuated tool with adifferent actuating mechanism than the fluid flow actuated tool of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a fluid flow actuated tool having adifferent actuating mechanism than the fluid flow actuated tool shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a housing of the actuating tool ofFIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view of the fluid flow actuated tool shown in FIG. 1, FIG.6 and FIG. 7 applied to a tire rim of a vehicle;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fluid flow actuated tool shown inFIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 connected to a water faucet of a sink;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid flowactuated tool;

FIG. 13 is another exploded view of the fluid flow actuating tool ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid flowactuated tool;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid flowactuated tool;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a housing associated with a fluidactuating tool;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is another bottom view of the housing of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a view of a fluid flow actuated tool applied to a wheel of avehicle;

FIG. 21 is a view of a fluid flow actuated tool connected to a fluidsupply line and a fluid supply;

FIG. 22 is a view of a fluid flow actuated tool connected to the fluidsupply line and the fluid supply;

FIG. 23 is a view of a fluid flow actuated tool connected to the fluidsupply line and the fluid supply;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fluid flow actuated tool connected toa mounting structure;

FIG. 25a is a top view of a fluid guide member;

FIG. 25b is a front perspective view of the fluid guide member of FIG.25 a;

FIG. 25c is a rear perspective view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 25a;

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is another top view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 25;

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member of FIG. 29;

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of a fluid flow actuated tool that forms apart of a water delivery device;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a fluid flow actuated tool that forms apart of a water delivery device;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the fluid flow actuated tool that formsa part of the water delivery device of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of a fluid actuated tool;

FIG. 38 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view of a fluid diverting structure;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of an area of the fluid actuated tool areaof FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 37;

FIG. 42 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 37;

FIG. 43 is a bottom view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 37;

FIG. 44 is a left side view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 37;

FIG. 45 is a right side view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 37;

FIG. 46 is a front view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 37;

FIG. 47 is a rear view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 37;

FIG. 48 is an exploded view of a fluid actuated tool

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a side perspective view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG.48;

FIG. 52 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 53 is a side perspective view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG.48;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 55 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 56 is a bottom view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 57 is a front view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 58 is a rear view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 59 is a left side view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 60 is a right view of the fluid actuated tool of FIG. 48;

FIG. 61 is a side view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 37 andFIG. 48;

FIG. 62 is a side view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 37 andFIG. 48 provided in a fluid (water);

FIG. 63 is a side view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 37 andFIG. 48 provided in a fluid (water);

FIG. 64 is a side view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 37 andFIG. 48 provided in a fluid (water);

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a fluid actuated tool;

FIG. 66 is a front view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 67 is a rear view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 68 is a left view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 69 is a right side view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG.62;

FIG. 70 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 62; and

FIG. 71 is a bottom view of the fluid actuated tool shown in FIG. 62.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings in particular, FIG. 1 is an exploded view of afluid flow actuated tool 1. The fluid flow actuated tool 1 includes ahousing cover 3 and an actuating mechanism 4. The housing cover 3 has anopening 5. The actuating mechanism 4 includes a water wheel and gearmounting member 7 that is connected to the housing cover 3. The waterwheel and gear mounting member 7 includes a shaft 9. An end portion 8 ofthe shaft 9 is inserted in the opening 5. The actuating mechanism 4includes a fluid (water) wheel structure 11 that is connected to theshaft 9. The water wheel structure 11 has a plurality of water wheelmembers 13 (only one of the water wheel members 13 is designated in thedrawings in order to prevent overcrowding in the drawings). Each of thewater wheel members 13 extends in a radial direction with respect to alongitudinal direction A of the fluid flow actuated tool 1. The waterwheel structure 11 has an opening 14. The shaft 9 passes through theopening 14 to connect the water wheel structure 11 to the shaft 9.

The water wheel structure 11 has a plurality of water wheel fluidengaging structures 15 (only one of the water wheel fluid engagingstructures 15 is designated in the drawings in order to preventovercrowding in the drawings). Each of the water wheel fluid engagingstructures 15 includes a first radially extending water wheel fluidengaging portion 17 (extending in a radial direction with respect to thelongitudinal direction A of the fluid flow actuated tool 1), a secondradially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 19, which isparallel to the first radially extending water wheel fluid engagingportion 17 (extending in the radial direction with respect to thelongitudinal direction A of the fluid flow actuated tool 1), a firstaxially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 21 (extending in anaxial direction with respect to the longitudinal direction A of thefluid flow actuated tool 1), a second axially extending water wheelfluid engaging portion 23 (extending in the axial direction with respectto the longitudinal direction A of the fluid flow actuated tool 1),which is parallel to the first axially extending water wheel fluidengaging portion 21, and fluid engaging material 25 that is arrangedbetween the first radially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion17, the second radially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 19,the first axially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 21 andthe second axially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 23. Theheight of the fluid engaging material 25 is less than the height of eachof the first radially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 17,the second radially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 19, thefirst axially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 21 and thesecond axially extending water wheel fluid engaging portion 23. Thefluid engaging material 25 has a plurality of fluid engaging materialportions 27 (only one of the fluid engaging material portions 27 isdesignated in the drawings to avoid overcrowding of the drawings). Eachof the fluid engaging material portions 27 are shown in the drawings asbeing conically shaped, however, it is understood that the fluidengaging material portions 27 could have any suitable shape, but it hasbeen discovered that the conical shape of the fluid engaging materialportions 27 provides an optimal surface for engaging and absorbing theforce from a flow of fluid, which rotates the water wheel structure 11.The fluid engaging material portions 27 may be integrally formed withthe water wheel structure 11 such that the fluid engaging materialportions 27 are an extruded surface of the water wheel structure 11. Thefluid engaging material portions 27 may be formed of the same materialas the material of the water wheel structure 11, which may be anymaterial, but plastic is preferred.

The actuating mechanism 4 includes a gear 29 that is connected to theshaft 9. The gear 29 has an opening 30 and a plurality of gear teeth 31.The gear 29 is fixed to the water wheel structure 11. At least a portionof the shaft 9 extends through the opening 30 to connect the shaft 9 tothe gear 29.

The actuating mechanism 4 includes a gear 33 having gear teeth 34 thatengage the gear teeth 31 of the gear 29. A tool connecting structure 35is connected to the gear 33. One end of the tool connecting structure 35may be welded to the gear 33 or connected to the gear 33 by any othersuitable connection. The tool connecting structure 35 is shown in theform of a shaft 37. The shaft 37 is connected to a tool 41. In theexample shown in the drawings, the tool 41 is in the form of a brush 43that has a plurality of brush projecting members (brush bristles) 45,but it is understood that any other tool may be connected to the shaft37, such as but not limited to a screw driver, a drill bit, a clampingmember, etc.

The shaft 37 extends through an opening 49 in a housing 47. The housingcover 3 is detachably connected to the housing 47. Another end portion10 of the shaft 9 is connected to the housing 47. The shaft 9, the waterwheel structure 11, the gear 29 and the gear 33 are located in aninterior space of the housing defined by the housing 47 and the housingcover 3 when the housing cover 3 is connected to the housing 47. Thehousing 47 has a housing opening 48 that is located at a radially spacedlocation from the shaft 37. At least a portion of the shaft 37 islocated outside of the housing interior and a seal member 39 is arrangedin the opening 49 to seal a space between the shaft 37 and the housing47. The shaft 37 is located at a radially offset position from thelongitudinal (center) axis of the fluid flow actuated tool 1.

The housing 47 includes a housing connector 51 for connecting thehousing 47 to a fluid supply line 127 such that the housing 47 receivesa flow of fluid (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The housing connector 51 includesa housing connector opening 53 and a plurality of threads 55 forconnecting to the fluid supply line 127. Although threads 55 are shownfor connecting the housing 47 to the fluid supply line 127, it isunderstood that any other suitable connection may be used, such as asnap connection or a plug connection. One or more of the fluid engagingstructures 15 and at least a portion of one or more of the water wheelmembers 13 are arranged in a path of expected flow of fluid prior to theflow of fluid entering the interior space of the housing 47. When theflow of fluid engages the fluid engaging material 25, the water wheelstructure 11 rotates such that each of the fluid engaging structures 15and at least a portion of each water wheel members 13 enters the path ofthe flow of fluid so that the water wheel structure 11 rotates as longas the fluid is supplied to the interior of the housing 47. The waterwheel structure 11 and the gear 29 are fixed to the shaft 9. The wheelstructure 11 and the gear 29 may be connected by any suitable means tothe shaft 9, including using epoxy to connect the wheel structure 11 andthe gear 29 to the shaft 9. The wheel structure 11 and the gear 29 maybe integrally connected to the shaft 9 to form a one-piece structure,which may be done by molding or 3-D printing or any other suitableprocess. Rotation of the water wheel structure 11 via the flow of fluidcauses the shaft 9 to rotate, which causes the gear 29 and the gear 34to rotate such that the shaft 37 rotates, which causes the tool 41 torotate. In another embodiment, a bearing may be connected to the waterwheel structure 11 and the shaft 9 and another bearing may be connectedto the shaft 9 and the gear 29 such that the shaft 9 remains in a fixedposition as the water wheel structure 11, the gear 29 and the gear 34rotate relative to the shaft 9.

When fluid enters the interior of the housing 47, the fluid flows out ofthe housing via the opening 48 and housing fluid guide members 57, 59,61. Each of the housing fluid guide members 57, 59, 61 has an openingfacing in a direction of the shaft 37 so that fluid is conveyed from theinterior of the housing 47 to an area outside of the housing 47 in adirection of the shaft 37. This advantageously allows the fluid, whichmay be preferably water, to be used in whatever operation the fluid flowactuated tool 1 is being used for, such as using the fluid to clean withthe tool 41.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the water wheel structure 11. The features ofthe water wheel structure 11 are the same for each embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the water wheel structure of FIG. 2.FIG. 3 shows a side profile of the shape of the fluid engaging materialportions 27.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water wheel structure 11 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the water wheel structure 11of FIG. 2 to more clearly show the conical shape of the fluid engagingmaterial portions 27.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid flowactuated tool F. The fluid flow actuated tool F is exactly the same asthe fluid flow actuated tool 1, but the fluid flow actuated tool F hasan actuating mechanism 4′ that is different from the actuating mechanism4 of the fluid flow actuated tool 1. Accordingly, the same referencecharacters are used to designate the same features shown in the previousembodiment. In order to avoid repetition, only the differences betweenthe actuating mechanism 4 and the actuating mechanism 4′ will bediscussed.

Instead of the gears 29, 33 in the previous embodiment, the actuatingmechanism 4′ includes a transmission member 63 and a transmission memberconnecting member 71 that is connected to a connector member 89, whichis connected to a tool connecting structure 85. The transmission member63 includes an opening 69 and a cam 65 that has a slot 67. Thetransmission member 63 is fixed to the water wheel structure 11 and/orthe shaft 9. A portion of the shaft 9 extends through the opening 69 toconnect the cam 65 to the shaft 9. The transmission connecting member 71includes an annular structure 73 and a projecting member 75 that extendsradially with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the fluid flowactuated tool T. The annular structure 73 is inserted in the slot 67 toconnect the annular structure to the cam 65. The projecting member 75includes an opening 77. The tool connecting structure 85 includes ashaft 87, which extends through the opening 49 such that at least aportion of the shaft 87 is located outside of the housing 47. The shaft87 is connected to the connector member 89. The connector member 89 hasa first leg portion 91 and a second leg portion 93. The first legportion 91 includes an opening 95 and the second leg portion includes anopening 97. A fastener 79 extends through the opening 77 in theprojecting member 75, the opening 95 of the first leg 91 and the opening97 of the second leg to connect the annular member 71 to the connectormember 89. The fastener 79 includes an opening 81. The opening 81receives at least a portion of a fastener 83 to fix the fastener 79 tothe annular member 71 and the connector structure 89. When the flow offluid is applied to the water wheel structure 11, the water wheelstructure 11 rotates, which causes rotation and/or oscillation of thecam 65 and the projecting member 75 such that the connector structure 89rotates the shaft 87, which rotates the tool 41.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid flowactuated tool 1″. The fluid flow actuated tool 1″ is exactly the same asthe fluid flow actuated tool 1, but the fluid flow actuated tool 1″ hasan actuating mechanism 4″ that is different from the actuating mechanism4 of the fluid flow actuated tool 1. Accordingly, the same referencecharacters are used to designate the same features shown in the previousembodiment. In order to avoid repetition, only the differences betweenthe actuating mechanism 4 and the actuating mechanism 4″ will bediscussed.

Instead of using the gears 29, 33 and the cam arrangement in theprevious embodiments, the actuating mechanism 4″ includes a transmissionmember 99, a transmission band 109 and a tool transmission member 115.The transmission member 99 is fixed to the water wheel structure 11and/or the shaft 9. The transmission member 99 includes a first portion101 and a second portion 103. An annular slot 105 is provided betweenthe first portion 101 and the second portion 103 (the annular slot 105may be defined by the first portion 101 and the second portion 103). Atool connecting structure 111 is connected to the tool transmissionmember 115. The tool connecting structure 111 includes a shaft 113. Thetool transmission member 115 includes a tool transmission member firstportion 117 and a tool transmission member second portion 119. Anannular recess 121 is provided between the tool transmission memberfirst portion 117 and the tool transmission member second portion 119(the tool transmission member first portion 117 and the tooltransmission member second portion 119 may define the annular recess121). At least a portion of the transmission band 109 is arranged in theannular recess 105 and the annular recess 121 such that the transmissionband 109 is connected to the transmission member 99 and the tooltransmission member 115. When the flow of fluid is applied to the waterwheel structure 11, the water wheel structure 11 rotates, which causesrotation of the shaft 9 and the transmission member 99 and the tooltransmission member 115 such that the shaft 113 rotates, which causesrotation of the tool 41.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the housing 47 with the housingcover 3 connected to the housing 47.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the housing 47 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1, 1′, 1″ shown inFIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 applied to a wheel 125 of a vehicle. The wheel125 includes a tire rim 125. In this case, at least water is supplied asthe fluid to the interior of the housing 47 such that the tool 41rotates to clean the wheel 125. A flow of water exits the housing viathe opening 48 and one or more of the housing fluid guide members 57,59, 61.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1, 1′, 1″shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 connected to a fluid (water) supply129, which is a water faucet 130 of a sink, via the fluid supply line127 to clean a piece of houseware 131, which in this case is a cup 133.A flow of water exits the housing via the opening 48 and one or more ofthe housing fluid guide members 57, 59, 61.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a fluid flow actuated tool 1′″. The fluidflow actuated tool 1′″ includes the housing cover 3′″ and an actuatingmechanism 4′″. The housing cover 3′″ has the opening 5. The actuatingmechanism 4′″ includes the water wheel and gear mounting member 7 thatis connected to the housing cover 3′″. The water wheel and gear mountingmember 7 includes the shaft 9. The end portion 8 of the shaft 9 isinserted in the opening 5. The actuating mechanism 4′″ includes thewater wheel structure 11 that is connected to the shaft 9. The waterwheel structure 11 has the same features as previously discussed in theother embodiments. The actuating mechanism 4′″ includes the gear 29 thatis connected to the shaft 9. The gear 29 has the opening 30 and theplurality of gear teeth 31. The gear 29 is connected to the water wheelstructure 11. At least a portion of the shaft 9 extends through theopening 30 to connect the shaft 9 to the gear 29.

The actuating mechanism 4′″ includes the gear 33 having the gear teeth34 that engage the gear teeth 31 of the gear 29. The tool connectingstructure 35 is connected to the gear 33. One end of the tool connectingstructure 35 may be welded to the gear 33 or connected to the gear 33 byany other suitable connection. The tool connecting structure 35 is shownin the form of the shaft 37. The shaft 37 is connected to a tool, whichis not shown, but may be similar to the tool 41 shown in the previousembodiment, which may be in the form of the brush 43 that has aplurality of brush projecting members (brush bristles) 45, but may beany other tool, such as but not limited to a screw driver, a drill bit,a clamping member, etc.

The shaft 37 extends through the opening 49 in a housing 47′″. Thehousing cover 3′″ is detachably connected to the housing 47′″. Anotherend portion 10 of the shaft 9′″ is connected to the housing 47′″. Theshaft 9, the water wheel structure 11, the gear 29 and the gear 33 arelocated in an interior space of the housing 47′″ defined by the housing47′″ and the housing cover 3′″ when the housing cover 3′″ is connectedto the housing 47′″. The housing 47′″ has the housing opening 48 that islocated at a radially spaced location from the shaft 37. At least aportion of the shaft 37 is located outside of the housing interior and aseal member 39 is arranged in the opening 49 to seal a space between theshaft 37 and the housing 47′″. The shaft 37 is located at a radiallyoffset position from the longitudinal (center) axis of the fluid flowactuated tool 1′″.

The housing 47′″ includes a housing connector 51′″ for connecting thehousing 47′″ to the fluid supply line 127 such that the housing 47′″receives a flow of fluid. The housing connector 51′″ is detachablyconnected to the housing 47′″. The housing connector 51′″ includes ahousing connector opening 53′″, an opening 54′″ and a plurality ofthreads 55′″, which define at least a portion of the housing connectoropening 53′″, for connecting to the fluid supply line 127. The housingconnector opening 53′″ is located opposite the opening 54′″. The housingconnector opening 53′″ has a diameter that is greater than a diameter ofthe opening 54′″. The housing connector 51′″ defines a nozzle such thata velocity of fluid entering the housing connector opening 53′″ is lessthan a velocity of the fluid exiting the opening 54′″. The housingconnector 51′″ is arranged in a space 56′″. Although threads 55′″ areshown for connecting the housing 47′″ to the fluid supply line 127, itis understood that any other suitable connection may be used, such as asnap connection or a plug connection. One or more of the fluid engagingstructures 15 and at least a portion of one or more of the water wheelmembers 13 are arranged in a path of expected flow of fluid prior to theflow of fluid entering the interior space of the housing 47′″. When theflow of fluid engages the fluid engaging material 25, the water wheelstructure 11 rotates such that each of the fluid engaging structures 15and at least a portion of each water wheel members 13 enters the path ofthe flow of fluid so that the water wheel structure 11 rotates as longas the fluid is supplied to the interior of the housing 47′″. The waterwheel structure 11 and the gear 29 are fixed to the shaft 9. The wheelstructure 11 and the gear 29 may be connected by any suitable means tothe shaft 9, including using epoxy to connect the wheel structure 11 andthe gear 29 to the shaft 9. The wheel structure 11 and the gear 29 maybe integrally connected to the shaft 9 to form a one-piece structure,which may be done by molding or 3-D printing or any other suitableprocess. Rotation of the water wheel structure 11 via the flow of fluidcauses the shaft 9 to rotate, which causes the gear 29 and the gear 34to rotate such that the shaft 37 rotates, which causes the tool 41 torotate. In another embodiment, a bearing may be connected to the waterwheel structure 11 and the shaft 9 and another bearing may be connectedto the shaft 9 and the gear 29 such that the shaft 9 remains in a fixedposition as the water wheel structure 11, the gear 29 and the gear 34rotate relative to the shaft 9.

When fluid enters the interior of the housing 47′″, the fluid flows outof the housing via the opening 48 and housing fluid guide members 57′″,59′″, 61′″, 62′″. The housing fluid guide members 57′″, 59′″, 61′″, 62′″are connected to each other to define a fluid flow path for fluid toflow from the interior space of the housing 47′″ to an environmentoutside of the housing 47′″. The housing fluid guide member 57′″ has ahousing 64′″ having an opening 66′″ and an opening 68′″. The housingfluid guide member 57′″ is inserted into a recess 74′″ of the housingcover 3′″. A portion 70′″ of the housing fluid guide member 57′″ extendsthrough an opening 72′″ in the housing 47′″ such that the portion of70′″ of the housing fluid guide member 57′″ is located at a positionoutside of the interior space of the housing 47′″. The housing fluidguide member 62′″ has a housing 80′″ that has an opening 76′″ and anopening 78′″. The housing fluid guide member 61′″ has a housing 82′″having an opening 84′″ and an opening 86′″. The housing fluid guidemember 59′″ has a housing 88′″ that has an opening 90′″ and opening92′″. The housing fluid guide member 62′″ is rotatably connected to thehousing fluid guide member 57′″. Each of the housing fluid guide members59′″, 61′″ and 62′″ are connected to each other and are rotatablerelative to the housing fluid guide member 57′″, which allows thehousing fluid guide members 59′″, 61′″ and 62′″ to be rotated 360degrees to form a rotatable nozzle 45′″.

A mounting structure 94′″ is connected to the housing 47′″. The mountingstructure 94′″ includes a connector element 112′″, legs 96′″, 98′″,100′″ and 102′″. Although four legs are shown, it is understood that anynumber of legs greater than two may be provided. The connector element112′″ has an opening 113′″ and recesses 108′″, 122′″, 124′″ and 134′″.Although four recesses are shown, it is understood that any number ofrecesses may be provided such that the number of recesses equal thenumber of legs. The leg 98′″ has a connector 104′″ and a connector106′″. The connector 106′″ is inserted in an opening 97′″ of a mountingelement 110′″. The mounting element 110′″ is shown in the form of asuction cup element 111′″. The connector 104′″ is inserted into therecess 108′″. The leg 100′″ has a connector 114′″ and a connector 116′″.The connector 116′″ is inserted in an opening 99′″ of a mounting element118′″. The mounting element 118′″ is shown in the form of a suction cupelement 119′″. The connector 114′″ is inserted into the recess 122′″.The leg 102′″ has a connector 126′″ and a connector 128′″. The connector128′″ is inserted in an opening 101′″ of a mounting element 130′″. Themounting element 130′″ is shown in the form of a suction cup element132′″. The connector 126′″ is inserted into the recess 124′″. The leg96′″ has a connector 136′″ and a connector 138′″. The connector 138′″ isinserted in an opening 103′″ of a mounting element 140′″. The mountingelement 140′″ is shown in the form of a suction cup element 142′″. Theconnector 136′″ is inserted into the recess 134′″. Although fourmounting elements are shown, any number greater than two mountingelements may be provided such that the number of mounting elements isequal to the number of legs.

A portion 148′″ of the housing 47′″ extends through the opening 113′″ ofthe connector element 112′″. A washer 115′″ is connected to theconnector element 112′″ and a fixing element 117′″. The washer 115′″ hasan opening 121′″ through which the portion 148′″ of the housing 47′″extends. The fixing element 117′″ has projecting portions 125′″, 129′″and 135′″ that engage the portion 148′″ of the housing 47′″ to fix theconnector element 112′″ in position such that the connector element112′″ does not move relative to the housing 47′″.

The mounting structure 94′″ fixes the fluid flow actuating tool 1′″ to asurface 139′″ such as a surface of a sink 137′″ (see FIGS. 21-23). Thesuction cup elements 111′″, 119′″, 132′″, 142′″ engage the surface139′″. Although the mounting structure 94′″ is shown connected to thefluid flow actuating tool 1′″, it is understood that the mountingstructure 94′″ can be used to fix the fluid flow actuating tool 1 or thefluid flow actuating tool 1″ or any other embodiment of the fluid flowactuating tool to the surface 139′″.

FIG. 13 is another exploded view of the fluid flow actuating tool 1′″.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid flowactuated tool 1″″. The fluid flow actuated tool 1″″ is exactly the sameas the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″, but the fluid flow actuated tool1″″ has an actuating mechanism 4′″″ that is different from the actuatingmechanism 4′″ of the fluid flow actuated tool 1. Accordingly, the samereference characters are used to designate the same features shown inthe previous embodiments. In order to avoid repetition, only thedifferences between the actuating mechanism 4′″ and the actuatingmechanism 4″″ will be discussed.

The actuating mechanism 4′″″ includes a gear 29′″″ that is connected toa shaft 9″″. The gear 29′″ has an opening 30″″ and a plurality of gearteeth 31″″. The gear 29′″ is connected to the water wheel structure 11,which has the same features as previously discussed above. At least aportion of the shaft 9″″ extends through the opening 30″″ to connect theshaft 9″″ to the gear 29″″. The actuating mechanism 4″″ includes a gear33″″ having gear teeth 34″″ that engage the gear teeth 31′″ of the gear29′″. A tool connecting structure 35″″ is connected to the gear 33″″ bya transmission connecting member 71″″. The tool connecting structure35″″ is shown in the form of a shaft 37″″. The shaft 37″″ is connectedto a tool, which is not shown, but may be similar to the tool 41 shownin the previous embodiment, which may be in the form of the brush 43that has a plurality of brush projecting members (brush bristles) 45,but may be any other tool, such as but not limited to a screw driver, adrill bit, a clamping member, etc.

The gear 33″″ is connected to a shaft 36″″. The shaft 36″″ extendsthrough an opening 38″″ in the gear 33″″. The shaft 36″″ is connected toa housing 47″″ and a fixed member 40″″ such that the gear 33″″ rotatesrelative to the fixed member 40″″ and the housing 47″″. The fixed member40″″ is fixed to the housing 47″″ via fasteners 64″″, 69″″, which areshown in the form of screws, but may be pins, rivets or any othersuitable connecting structure. The gear 33″″ includes another opening42″″. The gear 33″″ has a gear projecting portion 44″″. An annularmember 46″″ is provided between the gear 33″″ and the transmissionconnecting member 71″″. The annular member 46″″ has an opening 48″″. Thetransmission connecting member 71″″ has an opening 50″″. A fixing member56″″ is connected to the transmission connecting member 71″″ and thegear 33″″. The fixing member 56″″ has an opening 58″″ and has an annularshape. An annular member 52″″ is provided between the fixing member 56″″and the transmission connecting member 71″″. The fastening member 60″″,which may be in the form of a screw 62″″, extends through the opening58″″ of the fixing member 56″″ and the opening 42″″ of the gear 33″″wherein the fastening member 60″″ is connected to a nut element 64″″such that the fixing member 56″″, the annular member 50″″, thetransmission connecting member 71″″ and the annular member 46″″ areconnected to the gear 33″″. The transmission connecting member 71″″includes an opening 72″″. A portion of a pin 74″″ extends through theopening 72″″ such that the pin 74″″ is connected to a tool connectingstructure member 86″″ and the tool connecting structure 35″″. The toolconnecting structure 35″″ includes a recess 84″″. An end portion 83″″ ofthe pin 74″″ is arranged in the recess 84″″. An annular member 76″″ isarranged between the transmission connecting member 71″″ and the toolconnecting structure member 86″″. The annular member 76″″ has an opening78″″ through which the pin 74″″ passes. An annular member 80″″ isprovided between the transmission connecting member 71″″ and the toolconnecting structure 35″″. The annular member 80″″ has an opening 82″″through which the pin 74″″ passes. When fluid actuates the water wheelstructure 11, the gear 29″″ rotates, which causes the gear 33″″ torotate, which in turn causes the transmission connecting member 71″″ torotate such that the tool connecting structure 35″″ rotates, whichrotates the tool.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid flowactuated tool 1′″″. The fluid flow actuated tool 1′″″ is exactly thesame as the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″ and the fluid flow actuatedtool 1″″, but the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″″ has an actuatingmechanism 4′″″ that is different from the actuating mechanism 4′″ of thefluid flow actuated tool 1′″ and the actuating mechanism 4″″ of thefluid flow actuated tool 1″″. In order to avoid repetition, only thedifferences between the actuating mechanism 4′″″ and the actuatingmechanisms 4′″, 4″″ will be discussed.

As shown in FIG. 15, the actuating mechanism 4′″″ includes a gear 29′″″that is connected to a shaft 9′″″. An end portion 10′″″ is connected tothe housing cover 3′″. Another end portion 8′″″ is connected to housing47′″″. The gear 29′″″ has an opening 30′″″ and a plurality of gear teeth31′″″. The gear 29′″″ is connected to the water wheel structure 11,which has the same features as previously discussed above. At least aportion of the shaft 9′″″ extends through the opening 30′″″ to connectthe shaft 9′″″ to the gear 29′″″. The actuating mechanism 4′″″ includesa gear 33′″″ having gear teeth 34′″″ that engage the gear teeth 31′″″ ofthe gear 29′″″. The gear 33′″″ has an opening 32′″″. A tool connectingstructure 35′″″ is connected to the gear 33′″″. The tool connectingstructure 35″″ is shown in the form of a shaft 37″″. A portion of theshaft 37′″″ extends through the opening 32′″″. The shaft 37″″ isconnected to a tool, which is not shown, but may be similar to the tool41 shown in the previous embodiment, which may be in the form of thebrush 43 that has a plurality of brush projecting members (brushbristles) 45, but may be any other tool, such as but not limited to ascrew driver, a drill bit, a clamping member, etc.

The gear 33″″ is connected to a transmission member 40″″, which may bein the form of a belt 42′″″. The transmission member 40′″″ hasprojections 44′″″. The projections engage the gear teeth 31′″″ of thegear 29′″″ and the gear teeth 34′″″ of the gear 33′″″. When fluidactuates the water wheel structure 11 to cause rotation of the waterwheel structure 11, the gear 29′″″ rotates, which causes the gear 33″″to rotate due to the gear 29′″″ being connected to the gear 33′″″ viathe transmission member 40′″″, which in turn causes the tool connectingstructure 35″″ to rotate, which rotates the tool.

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the housing 47′″ with the housingcover 3′″ connected to the housing 47′″.

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the housing 47′″ of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the housing 47′″ of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is another bottom view of the housing 47′″ of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ shownin FIG. 12, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 applied to the wheel 123 of a vehicle.In this case, at least water is supplied as the fluid to the interior ofthe water wheel structure 11 such that the tool 41 rotates to clean thewheel 125. A flow of water exits the housing via the opening 48′″ andthe rotatable housing fluid guide members 59′″, 61′″, 62′″, which formthe rotatable nozzle 45′″.

FIG. 21 is a view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ shownin FIG. 12, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 connected to the fluid supply line 127and the fluid supply 129, which is the faucet 130. The fluid flowactuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ is fixed to the surface 139′″ of the sink137′″ by the mounting structure 94′″. Fluid, especially water, suppliedto the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ actuates the water wheelstructure 11 to actuate the tool 41, which can be used to cleanhouseware 131, such as the cup 133. The fluid supplied to the fluid flowactuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ exits the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″,1″″, 1′″″ via the rotatable nozzle 45′″, which provides a stream (flow)of fluid that can be used to clean houseware 131.

FIG. 22 is a view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ shownin FIG. 12, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 connected to the fluid supply line 127and the fluid supply 129, which is the faucet 130. The faucet 130 isconnected to the sink 137′″.

FIG. 23 is a view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ shownin FIG. 12, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 connected to the fluid supply line 127and the fluid supply 129, which is the faucet 130. The fluid flowactuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ is fixed to the surface 139′″ of the sink137′″ via the mounting structure 94′″. Fluid, especially water, suppliedto the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ actuates the water wheelstructure 11 to actuate the tool 41, which can be used to cleanhouseware 131, such as the cup 133. The fluid supplied to the fluid flowactuated tool 1′″, 1″″, 1′″″ exits the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″,1″″, 1′″″ via the rotatable nozzle 45′″, which provides a stream (flow)of fluid 190′″ that can be used to clean houseware 131.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″, 1″″,1′″″ that is connected to the mounting structure 94′″.

FIG. 25a is a top view of the fluid guide member 57′″.

FIG. 25b is a front perspective view of the fluid guide member 57′″ ofFIG. 25 a.

FIG. 25c is a rear perspective view of the fluid guide member 57′″ ofFIG. 25 a.

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member 57′″ takenalong line 26-26 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member 57′″ takenalong line 27-27 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member 57′″ takenalong line 28-28 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is another top view of the fluid guide member 57′″.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member 57′″ takenalong line 30-30 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member 57′″ takenalong line 31-31 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member 57′″ takenalong line 32-32 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view of the fluid guide member 57′″ takenalong line 33-33 of FIG. 29. The fluid guide member 57′″ has an innerfluid guiding surface 170′″ that guides fluid toward the opening 68′″.As shown in FIGS. 25a , 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33, the innerfluid guiding surface 170′″ has a radial slope RS′″ that increases in aradial direction R′″ from one side 172′″ of the fluid guide member 57′″to another side 174′″ of the fluid guide member 57′″ in the radialdirection R′″ as shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 28. This provides the innerfluid guiding surface 170′″ with a radial slope RS′″ in the radialdirection R′″ that is greatest adjacent to the side 174′″ of the fluidguide member 57′″. The radial slope RS′″ forms an arcuate surface thatis follows a curved contour C′″ of a periphery of the housing 64′″ ofthe fluid guide member 57′″. The inner fluid guiding surface 170′″ hasan axial slope AS′″ that increases in an axial direction A′″ from oneend 176′″ of the fluid guide member 57′″ to another end 178′″ of thefluid guide member 57′″ as shown in FIGS. 25a , 30, 31, 32 and 33. Aportion 180′″ of the inner fluid guiding surface 170′″ is perpendicularto the axial direction A′″.

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″connected directly to the fluid supply 129, which is the faucet 130. Thehousing cover 3′″ is connected to a fluid delivery member 141 of thefaucet 130. The housing cover 3′″ includes a housing cover portion 2′″that has an opening 152′″. The delivery member 141 of the faucet 130 hasmembers 142, 144. The member 142 has an opening 146. The member 144 hasan opening 148. The fluid deliver member 141 defines a portion of a flowpath for delivering fluid, particularly water, to the water wheelstructure 11 of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″. A pin 151 extendsthrough the opening 148 of the member 144, the opening 152′″ of thehousing cover portion 2′″ and the opening 146 of the member 142 suchthat the housing cover 2′″ can pivot between an open position and aclosed position. In the open position of the housing cover 3′″, thewater wheel structure 11 and the other components in the interior of thefluid actuating tool 1′″ can be accessed by a user. It is understoodthat the fluid actuating tools 1, 1′, 1″, 1″″ and 1′″″ can also beconnected to the faucet 130 in the same manner.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″connected to the faucet 130 with the housing cover 2′″ in the closedposition.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″connected to the faucet 130 with the housing cover 2′″ in the closedposition.

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of a fluid actuated tool 1″″″ that includesa housing cover 3″″″ and an actuating mechanism 4″″″. The housing cover3″″″ has an opening 5″″″. The actuating mechanism 4″″″ includes a fluid(water) wheel structure 11″″″. The fluid wheel structure 11″″″ isconnected to a shaft 9″″″. The shaft 9″″″ may be connected to a tool asshown in the previously discussed fluid actuated tools. An end portion8″″″ of the shaft 9″″″ is inserted in the opening 5″″″ such that theshaft 9″″″ passes through the opening 5″″″. The water wheel structure11″″″ has an opening 14″″″. The shaft 9″″″ passes through the opening14″″″ to connect the water wheel structure 11″″″ to the shaft 9″″″. Thewater wheel structure 11″″″ has a water wheel portion 10″″″ and aplurality of water wheel fluid engaging structures 15″″″ (only one ofthe water wheel fluid engaging structures 15″″″ is designated in thedrawings in order to prevent overcrowding in the drawings). Each of thewater wheel fluid engaging structures 15″″″ extends in a radialdirection with respect to a longitudinal direction A″″″ of the fluidflow actuated tool 1″″″. Each of the water wheel fluid engagingstructures 15″″″ is the shape of a triangle. Each of the water wheelfluid engaging structures 15″″″ includes a first water wheel fluidengaging portion 17″″″, which extends in a radial direction with respectto the longitudinal direction A″″″ of the fluid flow actuated tool 1″″″,and a second water wheel fluid engaging portion 19″″″. The first waterwheel fluid engaging portion 17″″″ has a first water wheel fluidengaging portion surface 18″″″. The first water wheel fluid engagingportion surface 18″″″ is perpendicular to the longitudinal directionA″″″. The second water wheel fluid engaging portion 19″″″ extends at anangle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the longitudinaldirection A″″″, preferably 45°. The second water wheel fluid engagingportion 19″″″ includes a fluid diverting structure 20″″″. The fluiddiverting structure 20″″″ includes a first fluid diverting structureportion 22″″″, a second fluid diverting structure portion 24″″″ and athird fluid diverting structure portion 26″″″. The first fluid divertingstructure portion 22″″″ and the second fluid diverting structure portion24″″″ extend from the third fluid diverting structure portion 26″″″. Thefirst fluid diverting structure portion 22″″″ has a first fluiddiverting structure portion end 30″″″. The second fluid divertingstructure portion 24″″″ has a second fluid diverting structure portionend 28″″″. The distance between the first fluid diverting structureportion 22″″″ and the second fluid diverting structure portion 24″″″increases in a direction away from the third fluid diverting structureportion 26″″″ toward the first fluid diverting structure portion end30″″″ and the second fluid diverting structure portion end 28″″″. Thefirst fluid diverting structure portion 22″″″, the second fluiddiverting structure portion 24″″″ and the third fluid divertingstructure portion 26″″″ are arranged in a shape of a V to form a V-shapeof the fluid diverting structure 20″″″.

The shaft 9″″″ extends into a recess 49″″″ in a housing 47″″″. Thehousing cover 3″″″ is detachably connected to the housing 47″″″. Thehousing 47″″″ includes a housing connector 51″″″, which has an inlet60″″″ and an outlet 62″″″ for connecting the housing 47″″″ to a supplyof fluid such that the housing 47″″″ receives a flow of fluid. Thehousing connector 51″″″ includes a first housing connector portion 50″″″that is integrally connected to the housing 47″″″. The housing connector51″″″ includes a second housing connector portion 52″″″ that isintegrally connected to the housing cover 3″″″. The first housingconnector portion 50″″″ and second housing connector portion 52″″″ forma passage 54″″″ through which fluid can flow into the housing 47″″″. Thehousing 47″″″ is connected to a nozzle 45″″″. The nozzle 45″″″ may be ina fixed position and not rotatable. The nozzle 45″″″ may be rotatablerelative to the housing 47″″″. The nozzle 45″″″ includes a passage46″″″, which allows fluid to pass from an inlet 56″″″ of the nozzle45″″″ to an outlet 58″″″ of the nozzle 45″″″ so that the fluid passesfrom the housing 47″″″ to an environment located outside of the fluidactuated tool 1″″″.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″ with the housingcover 3″″″ removed. Fluid is delivered into an interior of the housing47″″″ via the housing connector 51″″″. The water wheel structure 11″″″of the actuating mechanism 4″″″ is arranged in the interior of thehousing 47″″″ such that one or more of the fluid engaging structures15″″″ are arranged in a path of expected flow of fluid 64″″″ prior tothe flow of fluid entering the interior space of the housing 47″″″. Whenthe flow of fluid engages the one or more of the fluid engagingstructures 15″″″, the water wheel structure 11″″″ rotates such that eachof the fluid engaging structures 15″″″ enters the path of the flow offluid 64″″″ so that the water wheel structure 11″″″ rotates as long asthe fluid is supplied to the interior of the housing 47″″″. When one ofthe fluid engaging structures 15″″″ is provided in the flow of fluiddelivered via the housing connector 51″″″, the fluid engages the firstwater wheel fluid engaging portion 17″″″ to rotate the water wheelstructure 11″″″ and a portion of the fluid is deflected in a directionof the second water wheel fluid engaging portion 19″″″ of another fluidengaging structure 15″″″ that is next to enter the flow of fluid 64″″″such that the fluid diverting structure 20″″″ directs the deflectedfluid along a deflected fluid flow path 66″″″ toward the inlet 56″″″ ofthe nozzle 45″″″ and the deflected fluid moves along the passage 46″″″to the outlet 58″″″ of the nozzle 45″″″. The diverting structure 20″″″of each of the fluid engaging structures 15″″″ advantageously providesfluid to the nozzle 45″″″ at an increased velocity so that a stream offluid exits the outlet 58″″″ of the nozzle 45″″″ with increased force.

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view of the fluid diverting structure20″″″, which is the same for each of the fluid engaging structures15″″″.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of the area B′″″ shown in FIG. 38. Due tothe first water wheel fluid engaging portion 17″″″ of one fluid engagingstructure 15″″″ and the fluid diverting structure 20″″″ of acircumferentially adjacent fluid engaging structure 15″″″, fluid 68″″″is provided into the nozzle 45″″″ via a circumjacent fluid draft viacohesion.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″.

FIG. 42 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″.

FIG. 43 is a bottom view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″.

FIG. 44 is a left side view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″.

FIG. 45 is a right side view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″.

FIG. 46 is a front view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″.

FIG. 47 is a rear view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″.

FIG. 48 is an exploded view of a fluid actuated tool 1′″″″ that includesa housing cover 3′″″″ and an actuating mechanism 4′″″″. The actuatingmechanism 4′″″″ includes a fluid (water) wheel structure 11′″″″. Thefluid wheel structure 11′″″″ is connected to a shaft 9′″″″. An endportion 8′″″″ of the shaft 9′″″″ is inserted in an opening 49″″″ suchthat the shaft 9′″″″ passes through the opening 49′″″″. The water wheelstructure 11′″″″ has an opening 14′″″″. The shaft 9′″″″ passes throughthe opening 14′″″″ to connect the water wheel structure 11′″″″ to theshaft 9′″″″. The water wheel structure 11′″″″ has a water wheel portion10′″″″ and a plurality of water wheel fluid engaging structures 15′″″″(only one of the water wheel fluid engaging structures 15′″″″ isdesignated in the drawings in order to prevent overcrowding in thedrawings). Each of the water wheel fluid engaging structures 15′″″″extends in a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal directionA′″″″ of the fluid flow actuated tool 1′″″″. Each of the water wheelfluid engaging structures 15′″″″ is the shape of a triangle. Each of thewater wheel fluid engaging structures 15′″″″ includes a first waterwheel fluid engaging portion 17′″″″, which extends in a radial directionwith respect to the longitudinal direction A′″″″ of the fluid flowactuated tool 1′″″″, and a second water wheel fluid engaging portion19′″″″. The first water wheel fluid engaging portion 17′″″″ has a firstwater wheel fluid engaging portion surface 18′″″″. The first water wheelfluid engaging portion surface 18′″″″ is perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction A′″″″. The second water wheel fluid engagingportion 19′″″″ extends at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°relative to the longitudinal direction A′″″″, preferably 45°. The secondwater wheel fluid engaging portion 19′″″″ includes a fluid divertingstructure 20′″″″. The fluid diverting structure 20′″″″ includes a firstfluid diverting structure portion 22′″″″, a second fluid divertingstructure portion 24′″″″ and a third fluid diverting structure portion26′″″″. The first fluid diverting structure portion 22′″″″ and thesecond fluid diverting structure portion 24′″″″ extend from the thirdfluid diverting structure portion 26′″″″. The first fluid divertingstructure portion 22′″″″ has a first fluid diverting structure portionend 30′″″″. The second fluid diverting structure portion 24′″″″ has asecond fluid diverting structure portion end 28′″″″. The distancebetween the first fluid diverting structure portion 22′″″″ and thesecond fluid diverting structure portion 24′″″″ increases in a directionaway from the third fluid diverting structure portion 26′″″″ toward thefirst fluid diverting structure portion end 30′″″″ and the second fluiddiverting structure portion end 28′″″″. The first fluid divertingstructure portion 22′″″″, the second fluid diverting structure portion24′″″″ and the third fluid diverting structure portion 26′″″″ arearranged in a shape of a V to form a V-shape of the fluid divertingstructure 20′″″″. The V-shape of the fluid diverting structure 20′″″″advantageously provides a flow of fluid along the deflected fluid flowpath 66″″″ toward the inlet 56″″″ of the nozzle 45′″″ such that the flowof fluid that results from contacting the fluid diverting structurefluid diverting structure 20′″″″ does not interfere with the flow offluid 64″″″ entering the interior space of the housing 47″″″.

The shaft 9′″″″ extends in an interior of housing 47′″″″. The housingcover 3′″″″ is detachably connected to the housing 47′″″″. The housing47′″″″ includes a housing connector 51′″″″, which has an inlet 60′″″″and an outlet 62′″″″ for connecting the housing 47′″″″ to a supply offluid such that the housing 47′″″″ receives a flow of fluid. The housingconnector 51′″″″ includes a first housing connector portion 50′″″″ thatis integrally connected to the housing 47′″″″. The housing connector51′″″″ includes a second housing connector portion 52′″″″ that isintegrally connected to the housing cover 3′″″″. The first housingconnector portion 50′″″″ and the second housing connector portion 52′″″″form a passage 54′″″″ through which fluid can flow into the housing47′″″″. The housing 47′″″″ is connected to a nozzle 45′″″″, which may bein a fixed position or rotatable relative to the housing 47′″″″. Thenozzle 45′″″″ includes a passage 46′″″″, which allows fluid to pass froman inlet 56′″″″ of the nozzle 45′″″″ to an outlet 58′″″″ of the nozzle45′″″″ so that the fluid passes from the housing 47′″″″ to anenvironment located outside of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 50 and FIG. 52 are top views of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″ withthe housing cover 3′″″″ removed. Fluid is delivered into an interior ofthe housing 47′″″″ via the housing connector 51′″″″. The water wheelstructure 11′″″″ of the actuating mechanism 4′″″″ is arranged in theinterior of the housing 47′″″″ such that one or more of the fluidengaging structures 15′″″″ are arranged in a path of expected flow offluid 64′″″″ prior to the flow of fluid entering the interior space ofthe housing 47′″″″. When the flow of fluid engages the one or more ofthe fluid engaging structures 15′″″″, the water wheel structure 11′″″″rotates such that each of the fluid engaging structures 15′″″″ entersthe path of the flow of fluid 64′″″″ so that the water wheel structure11′″″″ rotates as long as the fluid is supplied to the interior of thehousing 47′″″″. When one of the fluid engaging structures 15′″″″ isprovided in the flow of fluid delivered via the housing connector51′″″″, the fluid engages the first water wheel fluid engaging portion17′″″″ to rotate the water wheel structure 11′″″″ and a portion of thefluid is deflected in a direction of the second water wheel fluidengaging portion 19′″″″ of another fluid engaging structure 15′″″″ thatis next to enter the flow of fluid 64′″″″ such that the fluid divertingstructure 20′″″″ directs the deflected fluid along a fluid flow path66′″″″ toward the inlet 56′″″″ of the nozzle 45′″″″ and the deflectedfluid moves along the passage 46′″″″ to the outlet 58′″″″ of the nozzle45′″″″. The diverting structure 20′″″″ of each of the fluid engagingstructures 15′″″″ advantageously provides fluid to the nozzle 45′″″″ atan increased velocity so that a stream of fluid exits the outlet 58′″″″of the nozzle 45′″″″ with increased force.

FIG. 51 is a side perspective view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″without the housing cover 3′″″″. The fluid flow path 66′″″″ includes afirst fluid flow path portion 66 a′″″″ and a second fluid flow pathportion 66 b′″″″. The first fluid flow path portion 66 a′″″″ and asecond fluid flow path portion 66 b′″″″ do not interfere with the flowof fluid 64′″″″ that is delivered into the interior of the housing47′″″″ so that the full force of the flow of fluid 64′″″″ entering theinterior of the housing 47′″″″ is provided on the fluid engagingstructures 15′″″″. FIG. 53 is a side perspective view of the fluidactuated tool 1′″″″ with the housing cover 3′″″″ detached.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 55 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 56 is a bottom view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 57 is a front view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 58 is a rear view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 59 is a left side view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 60 is a right view of the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″.

FIG. 61 is a side view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″, 1′″″″. In boththe fluid actuated tool 1″″″ and the fluid actuated tool 1′″″″, fluid,which in this case is water, passes out of the outlet 58″″″, 58′″″″ andatmosphere (air) passes into the outlet 58″″″, 58′″″″. The intake ofatmosphere advantageously reduces drag on the water wheel structure,which allows the water wheel structure to absorb greater force from thefluid entering the interior of the housing.

FIG. 62 is a side view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″, 1′″″″ in astatic state in which fluid is not yet delivered into the housing. FIG.62 shows the fluid actuated tool 1″″″, 1′″″″ in fluid F′, which in thiscase is water, that is in contact with atmosphere A′, which is air.

FIG. 63 is a side view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″, 1′″″″ in a statein which fluid has started to be delivered into an interior of thehousing. FIG. 63 shows that atmosphere A′ (air) is drawn into thehousing along a fluid flow path F1′ through the nozzle 45″″″, 45′″″″ andfluid (water) W′ exits the nozzle 45″″″, 45′″″″ along a fluid flow pathF2′. Due to the atmosphere A′ (air) being drawn into the housing, thehousing becomes more buoyant such that the housing moves in an upwarddirection U′.

FIG. 64 is a side view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″, 1′″″″ in a statein which fluid continues to be delivered into an interior of thehousing. FIG. 64 shows that atmosphere A′ (air) is drawn into thehousing along a fluid flow path F1′ through the nozzle 45″″″, 45′″″″ andfluid (water) W′ exits the nozzle 45″″″, 45′″″″ along a fluid flow pathF2′ such that the amount of atmosphere A′ (air) delivered to the housingcauses the buoyancy of the housing to increase such that the housing ismore buoyant in the fluid (water) F′ when compared with the buoyancy ofthe housing shown in FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a fluid actuated tool 1′″″″. The fluidactuated tool 1′″″″ is the same as the actuated tool 1′″″″ except thatthe fluid actuated tool has a shaft 9″″″″ that has a shaft portion 9a″″″″ extending below a housing 47″″″″ and a shaft portion 9 b″″″″extending above a housing cover 3″″″″. The shaft portion 9 a″″″″ and theshaft portion 9 b″″″″ may be integrally connected to form a one-pieceshaft.

FIG. 66 is a front view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″″.

FIG. 67 is a rear view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″″.

FIG. 68 is a left view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″″.

FIG. 69 is a right side view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″″.

FIG. 70 is a top view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″″.

FIG. 71 is a bottom view of the fluid actuated tool 1″″″″.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the principles ofthe invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid flow actuated tool, comprising: a housingcomprising a housing interior, said housing interior receiving a flow offluid; a shaft; and an actuating mechanism comprising a fluid wheelstructure, said fluid wheel structure being connected to said shaft, atleast a portion of said fluid wheel structure being arranged in saidflow of fluid for rotating said fluid wheel structure, wherein saidshaft is actuated based on rotation of said fluid wheel structure, saidfluid wheel structure comprising a plurality of fluid engagingstructures, each of said fluid engaging structures comprising a fluiddiverting structure and a fluid engaging surface for engaging said flowof fluid.
 2. A fluid flow actuated tool in accordance with claim 1,wherein said fluid engaging surface is located opposite said fluiddiverting structure in a circumferential direction of said fluid wheelstructure.
 3. A fluid flow actuated tool in accordance with claim 1,wherein said fluid diverting structure comprises a first fluid divertingstructure portion, a second fluid diverting structure portion and athird fluid diverting structure portion.
 4. A fluid flow actuated toolin accordance with claim 3, wherein said first fluid diverting structureportion and said second fluid diverting structure portion extend fromsaid third fluid diverting structure portion.
 5. A fluid flow actuatedtool in accordance with claim 3, wherein said first fluid divertingstructure portion has a first fluid diverting structure portion end andsaid second fluid diverting structure portion has a second fluiddiverting structure portion end, wherein a distance between said firstfluid diverting structure portion and said second fluid divertingstructure portion increases in a direction away from said third fluiddiverting structure portion toward said first fluid diverting structureportion end and said second fluid diverting structure portion end.
 6. Afluid flow actuated tool in accordance with claim 5, further comprisinga nozzle connected to said housing, wherein said nozzle defining a firstfluid guide path for conveying said fluid from said housing interior toan environment external to said housing and said nozzle defining asecond fluid guide path for conveying atmosphere fluid from theenvironment external to said housing to said housing interior.
 7. Afluid flow actuated tool in accordance with claim 6, wherein said nozzleis rotatably connected to said housing such that said nozzle is movablerelative to said housing.
 8. A fluid flow actuated tool in accordancewith claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a housing connector forconnecting said housing to a fluid supply line for supplying said flowof fluid to said housing interior.
 9. A fluid flow actuated tool inaccordance with claim 8, wherein said housing forms at least a portionof said housing connector.
 10. A fluid flow actuated tool in accordancewith claim 9, wherein said housing comprises a housing cover, saidhousing cover being detachably connected to said housing.
 11. A fluidflow actuated tool in accordance with claim 10, wherein said housingcover forms another portion of said housing connector.
 12. A fluid flowactuated tool in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a nozzleconnected to said housing, said fluid engaging surface of one of saidfluid engaging structures being configured to deflect at least portionof said flow of fluid in a direction of said diverting structure ofanother one of said fluid engaging structures, said diverting structureof said another one of said fluid engaging structures being configuredto guide said at least portion of said flow of fluid in a direction ofsaid nozzle.
 13. A fluid flow actuated tool in accordance with claim 12,wherein said another one of said fluid engaging structures is adjacentto said one of said fluid engaging structures in a circumferentialdirection of said fluid wheel structure.
 14. A fluid flow actuated tool,comprising: a housing comprising a housing interior, said housinginterior receiving a flow of fluid; a shaft; and an actuating mechanismcomprising a fluid wheel structure, said fluid wheel structure beingconnected to said shaft, at least a portion of said fluid wheelstructure being arranged in said flow of fluid for rotating said fluidwheel structure, wherein said shaft is actuated based on rotation ofsaid fluid wheel structure, said fluid wheel structure comprising atleast one fluid engaging structure, said at least one fluid engagingstructure comprising a fluid engaging surface configured to engage saidflow of fluid such that a portion of said flow of fluid is directed in afirst direction, said at least one fluid engaging structure comprising afluid diverting structure for directing said fluid in another direction.15. A fluid flow actuated tool in accordance with claim 14, wherein saidfluid engaging surface is located opposite said fluid divertingstructure in a circumferential direction of said fluid wheel structure.16. A fluid flow actuated tool in accordance with claim 14, wherein saidfluid diverting structure comprises a first fluid diverting structureportion, a second fluid diverting structure portion and a third fluiddiverting structure portion.
 17. A fluid flow actuated tool inaccordance with claim 16, wherein said first fluid diverting structureportion and said second fluid diverting structure portion extend fromsaid third fluid diverting structure portion.
 18. A fluid flow actuatedtool in accordance with claim 16, wherein said first fluid divertingstructure portion has a first fluid diverting structure portion end andsaid second fluid diverting structure portion has a second fluiddiverting structure portion end, wherein a distance between said firstfluid diverting structure portion and said second fluid divertingstructure portion increases in a direction away from said third fluiddiverting structure portion toward said first fluid diverting structureportion end and said second fluid diverting structure portion end.
 19. Afluid flow actuated tool in accordance with claim 18, further comprisinga nozzle connected to said housing, said nozzle defining a fluid guidepath for conveying said fluid from said housing interior to anenvironment external to said housing.
 20. A fluid flow tool actuatingdevice, comprising: a fluid wheel structure configured to be connectedto a shaft, said fluid wheel structure comprising a plurality of fluidengaging structures, each of said fluid engaging structures comprising afluid diverting structure and a fluid engaging surface configured toengage a flow of fluid, said fluid diverting structure of each of saidfluid engaging structures facing in a first circumferential direction ofsaid fluid wheel structure, said fluid engaging structure of each ofsaid fluid engaging structures facing in another circumferentialdirection of said fluid wheel structure.